Environmentalists appeal dredging for LNG terminal

SALEM (AP) — Environmental groups are appealing the state approval of a dredging permit for the Port of Coos Bay, where a Canadian company wants to develop a $7 billion terminal to export natural gas from the Rockies to Asia.

The appeal was filed Tuesday with the Oregon Court of Appeals in Salem.

Janette Brimmer, an attorney for the environmental law firm Earthjustice, said the Oregon Department of State Lands deliberately turned away from its obligation to fully examine the effects of such a large dredging project on water, fish and wildlife.

The Jordan Cove Energy Project is being developed by Veresen, Inc., of Calgary, which hopes to have federal approval within a year.

The Department of State Lands did not immediately answer a request for comment on the appeal.